The Pat Kenny Show
Newstalk
Pat brings you the sharpest analysis of news and current affairs on the radio and fresh perspectives on the issues that will define a generation. Breaking news is interwoven with reflective news features and reports from a variety of reporters based across the country. Experts are on hand to guide listeners on everything from consumer and employment rights and health issues to savvy holiday options. And Pat is joined by all the best personalities from the entertainment world.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 4, 2025 • 6min
Boxed with John Fardy: "The Beast In Me"
John Fardy, a renowned broadcast critic and TV reviewer, discusses the gripping Netflix series The Beast in Me, starring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys. He delves into Danes' character, Aggie Wigs, and her tumultuous past. Fardy explores Matthew Rhys' Niall Jarvis, a charismatic real estate mogul with a dark mystery surrounding his missing wife. Their power dynamics create a thrilling cat-and-mouse game. He praises the show’s slow-burn tension and anticipates Emmy nominations for both leads, urging viewers to stick with it for the payoff.
Dec 4, 2025 • 9min
Ireland’s cyber vulnerability
Richard Browne, Director of the National Cyber Security Centre, discusses Ireland's heightened vulnerability to cyberattacks as it prepares for the EU Presidency. He shares insights on national cyber exercises and the importance of proactive incident responses. Raluca Saceanu, CEO of Smartech247, emphasizes the need for businesses to assess third-party risks and enhance staff training on cybersecurity. The conversation also touches on the implications of information operations during geopolitical events and upcoming regulatory changes to bolster supply chain security.
Dec 4, 2025 • 11min
Next year marks 100 years of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters
Cameron Hill, a journalist and commentator from Off The Ball, dives into the fascinating century-long journey of the Harlem Globetrotters. He highlights their origins as the Savoy Big Five and their transformation into icons of black culture. Hill also discusses their pivotal role in desegregating professional basketball, while tackling the criticism they faced during the civil rights movement. Personal anecdotes enrich the history, including the team's impact in Ireland and milestone moments like the signing of the first female Globetrotter, Lynette Woodard.
Dec 4, 2025 • 7min
Ireland's top Google results for 2025
Ciara Treacy, a journalist and Newstalk presenter, dives deep into Ireland's most searched queries for 2025. She reveals the chaos caused by Storm Eowyn and highlights significant trends around the presidential elections. From innovative searches like how to bottle-feed a breastfed baby to concerns about listeria outbreaks, she covers it all. Curiosities about TikTok slang '6-7' and recipe fads, including coffee and Dubai chocolate, also take center stage. Plus, find out which films and tech gadgets are capturing the public’s interest!
Dec 4, 2025 • 18min
The MyFutureFund portal officially opened for employers this week.
Dara Calleary, the Minister for Social Protection and Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo, dives into the newly launched MyFutureFund auto-enrolment pension scheme. He highlights the urgent need for this initiative, noting the significant number of workers without pensions. Calleary explains the 3:3:1 contribution model and how employees can opt out. He discusses governance, the role of NIRSA, and the retirement drawdown age. The conversation also touches on eligibility, voluntary contributions, and practical queries related to part-time workers. Plus, don't miss his insights on upcoming winter bonus payments!
Dec 4, 2025 • 7min
Immunotherapy in cancer continues to advance
In this engaging discussion, Professor Luke O'Neill, a leading biochemist from Trinity College Dublin specializing in immunology, dives into groundbreaking research on pancreatic cancer treatment. He explores engineered immune cells, specifically CAR-NKT cells, showing promise in targeting tumors effectively. O'Neill contrasts these with CAR-T approaches, discusses treatment delivery methods, and highlights preclinical successes in mice. He also addresses the projected $5,000 cost for off-the-shelf therapies and the urgency of fast-tracking human trials, sparking hope for future cancer patients.
Dec 4, 2025 • 11min
Emigration is on the rise among older people too
In this engaging discussion, journalist Sarah Madden explores the rising trend of older Irish emigration, highlighting a significant increase in those aged 45-64 moving abroad. Aidan Pienar, an emigrant from County Meath now living in Australia, shares his experiences, from practical benefits like housing improvements to the emotional toll of being away from family. The conversation also delves into the motivations behind this trend and reframes emigration as an adventure, considering modern connectivity that keeps families close despite the distance.
Dec 4, 2025 • 4min
A sustainable guide to festive hosting!
Jo Linehan, a climate journalist and sustainability expert, shares her insights on hosting low-impact festive celebrations. She discusses the pros and cons of real versus artificial Christmas trees and emphasizes recycling options. Jo introduces reusable fabric crackers that can be refilled, significantly cutting down waste. She also tackles holiday food waste with practical tips like making lists and sharing meals. For table settings, she advocates for reusing items and renting sets, while suggesting meaningful experiences instead of typical Secret Santa gifts.
Dec 4, 2025 • 13min
Australia to introduce age restrictions on social media
David Robert Grimes, an author and disinformation expert, dives into Australia’s groundbreaking decision to ban social media accounts for those under 16. He discusses the challenges of age verification, the public health framing of the law, and the mix of support and backlash from parents and teenagers. Grimes also highlights global interest in this initiative and outlines potential comparisons to public health laws like those governing alcohol and smoking. The conversation shifts to issues in the U.S. regarding vaccine misinformation and controversial CDC appointments.
Dec 4, 2025 • 11min
Is “new year, new career” really a good decision?
Donal O'Donoghue, Managing Director at Sanderson Recruitment, shares his insights on the complexities of a career change in a challenging job market. He emphasizes cautious considerations around moving jobs, especially regarding redundancy and lost protections. O'Donoghue discusses AI's evolving role in recruitment, highlighting benefits like interview practice tools but warns against over-reliance that could lead to mismatches. He also addresses midlife career shifts and stresses the importance of upskilling and understanding labor market dynamics.
